sexual purity, abstinence, armed and virtuous

Glad you found us! This site has one objective: to help you win the spiritual battle for purity, in every sense of the word. Society encourages us to throw away our virtue; the message sent out by the media is: "everyone's doing it!" We are here to prove that statement wrong! Come in, read some encouraging testimonies, chat with others who strive to remain pure, and reaffirm your belief that purity, sexual and otherwise, is not only possible, but totally worth it!

Monday, April 23, 2012

At long last, we're going to wind up this series of devotions on Joseph. If you'll recall, we've discussed just how much Joseph is like you and me; living in a flawed family with flaws of his own. We talked about his God-given dreams of greatness, but then the tragedy and hardship he had to suffer. In fact, when we left off, Joseph was falsely accused and locked up in prison. So, today we're going to see how all these events, both good and bad, were used by God to save Joseph's family, save other nations in the area, and bring Joseph's dreams to pass.

Joseph is put in prison under false charges: Yes, Joseph is in prison, but he's placed where Pharaoh's prisoners are confined. Even while in prison, God blessed Joseph with favor. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority; because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did the Lord made it to prosper (Gen. 39:21-23 NKJV).

Can you imagine a prisoner being given command over other prisoners? Not only did the prison guard allow Joseph to take control, but he didn't bother checking up on him, because he saw God's favor upon everything Joseph did. After a while, two high-profile prisoners were added to the mix; Pharaoh's butler and baker. Joseph served them while they were in custody. One night, both prisoners had dreams. Joseph asked them to tell their dreams, and God used him to interpret each one. Both interpretations came to pass: the butler was restored to his position, and the baker was put to death. Joseph asked the butler to remember me when it is well with you. . . and get me out of this house for. . . I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon (Gen. 40:14-15).

At last an opportunity to escape! But, what happens? . . . the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Gen.40:23). For two more years Joseph languishes in prison, simply because the butler forgets Joseph's kindness.

But God was with Joseph: But, did God leave him there? No! When God has a plan, not even a forgetful butler can stop him. Two years later, Pharaoh, himself, has dreams which no one could interpret. The butler then remembers Joseph, and tells Pharaoh. Joseph is brought from prison to appear before Pharaoh. God gives Joseph the interpretation: the land will experience seven years of plenty, and then seven years of famine. Joseph recommends that Pharaoh appoint a wise man to collect 1/5 of the crops during the seven good years to withstand the seven bad years.

Pharaoh's response? "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God? (Gen. 41:38)" So Joseph is appointed second in command over Egypt, only Pharaoh is above him in authority. he saves Egypt from famine, and greatly enriches Egypt's treasuries as they sell grain to surrounding countries.

Speaking of other countries, Joseph's brothers are running out of food. They come to Egypt to buy grain, and in the process, bow down to their long-lost brother! After much testing of his brothers, Joseph discovers that they have changed, and regret what they did to him. He reveals himself, calls for the entire family to come live in Egypt and saves them from starvation. The family is reunited, and God helps Joseph overcome his own personal bitterness and grief.

Long story, I know, but I hope you can find some meaning in it. Be a dreamer! Dream big, audacious dreams as God leads you. Then, don't get discouraged if the path God takes you down appears to be going the opposite way. He knows the end from the beginning. Our minds cannot comprehend what He has in store, so just keep following the Lord, no matter where He leads. He will never leave you, never forget about you, and through all your circumstances He will develop you into the woman of God He needs to complete the special task He's assigned to you.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Well, it's tonight, folks! We're so excited about this incredible opportunity to share our ministry with the world. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. We know that God has a plan and that His purposes will be accomplished. May it all be to His glory and for the benefit of His kingdom.

Just in case we haven't talked enough about the details, here they are again:

The show is called I'm Just Sayin' and it airs at 10:30 p.m. CST on DirecTV channel 377.
It will also be available online starting tomorrow. Go to tct.tv/demand.php and click on the icon that looks like this:

It will take you to the show's online episodes. Scroll across the various episodes until you see one that says "April Anderson." It should be up for several days so feel free to watch, and watch again! (clicking on our episode benefits both their ministry and ours!)

If you feel led, please consider sending some positive feedback to the network. You can email them at: imjustsayin@tct.tv, call the network at 618-997-4700 or write a note to:

TCT
PO Box 1010
Marion, IL 62959

We can't wait to see what God brings as a result of this opportunity. Thank you all for your support, and God Bless!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, we've got the perfect event! There are activities for every age, and all proceeds go toward the best of causes.

I'm talking about the Car Smash Fundraising Event at Friendship Baptist Church, Beaumont TX. It's taking place tomorrow, April 14th from 11:00-3:00. There will be concessions, local vendors, live entertainment, a car show, car smash, "jumpy thingies" for kiddos (and I quote) :) , jousting, a dodgeball tournament and much, much more!

This event is to help fund the adoption of two little orphan boys from China:

Elijah Luke

and Ian Wayne

Their adoptive family, the Fowlers, have been hard at work trying to bring their babies home. These boys, although unrelated, are 30 days apart in age, so they will be like twins to their new family. Both of them have medical issues, and the Fowlers will begin their lives together with major medical bills once they arrive.

If you'd like to learn more about the Fowler adoption process, feel free to visit their blog. The entire family has been hard at work raising funds to bring these children home, it's pretty inspiring!

Even if you can't make the Car Smash, please keep the Fowlers in your prayers, and if you feel led, please consider contributing to their adoption fund. They must raise the astounding sum of $35,000.00 to complete the process.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Well, the good news is in! We just received notice that our episode of I'm Just Sayin' will air on Monday, April 16th! This Emmy-nominated Christian Talk Show can be seen on DirecTV channel 377, Sky Angel, and on demand. Just scroll down to the sixth icon in the middle and click on I'm Just Sayin'. From there you can scroll over the episodes until you see the name April Anderson. (It likely won't be up until the air date, though.)

We are so tremendously excited about this great opportunity to share the message of purity God has laid upon our hearts! The TCT television network broadcasts to 170 countries around the world!

Please share the good news with all those who support the cause of purity. The more views they receive, the better for their ministry and ours. Once the show has aired, your positive feedback would be greatly appreciated.

God Bless all of you for your support, and we'll remind you to watch again on Monday!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Last time, we highlighted how similar Joseph is to you and me. He had his problems, both of personality, family, and otherwise, but God had plans for him. So, without further ado, let's get back to the story:

Joseph had mighty dreams; dreams placed in his heart by God, but Joseph had no idea what he would go through before seeing those dreams come to pass. Yet, through it all, God was with him, protecting him from harm and blessing his efforts.

Problem #1: Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers. Joseph's brothers become so jealous of him, and resent his dreams of greatness so much that when they see him coming their direction, they conspire to kill him. His oldest brother, Reuben, convinces them only to put him in a deep pit. After doing this to Joseph, the brothers sit down to eat, (ironic, don't you think?) and they see tradesmen passing by, so they sell Joseph to the traders.

But, God was with Joseph. Joseph's brothers first intended to kill him, and God caused them to change their mind. He allowed the tradesmen to pass that way and spare his life. Because most slaves were sold into hard labor, the brothers assumed that Joseph would be worked to death. Instead, God was with Joseph, and allowed him to be sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's guard. Not only did he receive a privileged slavery, he became a house slave of Potiphar, so his work load was not overbearing. During this time, God showered His favor upon Joseph. So much so, that Potiphar, himself, took notice: The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man...his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand (Gen. 39:2-3). Potiphar not only realized that Joseph was exceptional, he realized that God was blessing him. Therefore, he gave Joseph charge over all he had. Everything in Potiphar's house and fields was blessed because of Joseph. In fact, Genesis 39:6 says thus he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.

Problem #2: Potiphar's wife lusts after Joseph. Just when things start looking up, Potiphar's wife begins to take notice of Joseph, that he was ...handsome in form and appearance (Gen. 39:7). She asks him to "lie with her." Joseph of course refuses. Day after day she approaches Joseph and he refuses her. Finally, she catches Joseph in a trap, and tries to force herself upon him. Joseph runs away, and Potiphar's wife declares that Joseph tried to harm her. Potiphar throws Joseph into prison.

But, God was with Joseph. A powerful man like Potiphar could have done whatever he wished with his slaves, especially a slave that had caused him harm. It's rather surprising that he did not kill Joseph. Perhaps he did not fully believe his wife's story? We don't know. Instead, he threw him in prison; and not just any prison, but the prison where Pharaoh's prisoners were confined. Even in prison the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Gen. 39:21).

We will finish up Joseph's story next week, but for now let's keep this in mind: Joseph suffered two major injustices, and yet, he continued doing what was right. Both times these wrongs caused him great harm, greatly altered his life, and took him from what was his and where he belonged. Yet in the middle of his trials, God was there. God spared his life, and blessed him so greatly that even people who didn't know Joseph's God recognized the favor He poured out upon his servant.

We all suffer setbacks from our dreams. The question is, will we give up, or will we continue to trust the Hand that placed those dreams upon our heart? Do we truly believe that God is in control and that He's looking out for us? If so, then let's live as if we believe. Hang in there, sisters! God hasn't left you. He knows the end of the story, and He's working in you even through the trials to bring His purposes to pass.

About Me

My name is April M. Anderson, and I'm just a girl with a story. God laid a burden on my heart to pray for my husband when I was in the sixth grade. I prayed and waited for him for six years, dated him for three, and we've been married for 15 years. By God's grace, both my husband and I were virgins on our wedding day and we've been living out our "happily ever after" from that day on!